Roebuck's 'kids' left uncertain

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Durban - The future of 16 young men who reside in Peter Roebuck’s “blue house” in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg is still uncertain following the death of their “father” at a Cape Town hotel over the weekend.

A family friend who asked not to be named on Monday said the young men’s number one worry was what would happen to them.

“The funeral arrangements will come a bit later.” She said she felt pretty sure that Roebuck would have provided for the men through his Learning for a Better World Trust. “A couple of the young men are employed so they have some income.”

She was not sure who Roebuck’s attorney was. “We know nothing. We can’t get onto the websites. There is so much traffic. You know more than us.”

Grief-stricken Dennis Chadya who was part of the group under Roebuck’s wing said there is still a lot to deal with as they are still trying to come to terms with the death. “We don’t know about the house, but we will stay here until we know what to do. He used to make plans for us.” He said he believed the group would have better clarity in six month’s time about their future in the house.

He added that Roebuck’s body is still in Cape Town, and said they are in contact with the family and other friends to make arrangements for the funeral.

The British high commission’s head of communication Gary Benham said, “UK laws prohibit us from talking about the cases,” but said they are in communication with Roebuck’s family in the UK.

Police spokesperson Vishni Naidoo would not be drawn on the matter on which police were investigating Roebuck and did not confirm media reports that Roebuck had allegedly made advances on a young man he had recently met, and that the man had laid charges of indecent assault against Roebuck.

“The purpose of this investigation is to officially determine the circumstances as well his cause of death. Also I can confirm that no evidence has been found at the scene to foul play in respect of his death.”

Independent Complains Commission spokesperson Moses Dlamini said the investigation still continues and did not want to divulge whether they have taken a statement from Jim Maxwell, Australian Broadcasting Corporation commentator who had been with Roebuck moments before he plunged to his death.

“Investigations started on Saturday and we won’t be able to discuss it with the media,” said Dlamini.

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